engulfed in fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engulfed in fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is completely surrounded or consumed by flames, often in a dramatic or intense context. Example: "The old building was engulfed in fire, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Vast stretches of tallgrass prairie were engulfed in fire.

The New York Times - Science

If PLG-vessels get engulfed in fire measures for preventing catastrophic vessel failure may be activated.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

These were engulfed in fire and brimstone as divine punishment for the local penchant for gay sex.Earlier Islamic societies were less hardline.

The Economist

A second planned swim in a rock pool at Magook had to be cancelled because the road to it had been engulfed in fire for three days.

Independent

Another chef was immediately engulfed in fire, receiving first- and second-degree burns to his face, neck, arms and legs before bystanders extinguished the flames, the Fire Department said.

The New York Times

The flames forced at least two hospitals in Santa Rosa to evacuate their patients and destroyed Fire Station 5. Drone footage from Sunday showed whole neighborhoods in the city engulfed in fire.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As you can see, Alaska and many of the Western states look literally engulfed in fires.

Huffington Post

It's also completely within our expectations to see "fire" in the list, given that much of the territory is currently engulfed in forest fire infernos.

Vice

This makes exceptionally hazard for bodies engulfed in DTBP fire accidents.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

The explosion was intensified when another fuel truck and two trailers were engulfed in the fire.

The New York Times

It had already left for the day and was engulfed in a fire ignited by the wave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engulfed in fire" to create a vivid image of something being completely surrounded and consumed by flames. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the intensity and destructiveness of a fire.

Common error

While "engulfed in fire" can be used metaphorically, avoid overusing it. Excessive use in non-literal contexts can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where a strong, destructive force is truly at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed in fire" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun to convey the state of being completely surrounded and consumed by flames. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engulfed in fire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that paints a vivid picture of something being completely surrounded and consumed by flames. According to Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and serves to emphasize the intensity and destructiveness of a fire. While alternatives like "consumed by flames" or "surrounded by fire" exist, "engulfed in fire" remains a potent and evocative choice for describing such scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by flames

Focuses on the act of being completely destroyed by fire.

surrounded by fire

Highlights the state of being encircled by flames, emphasizing the confinement.

ablaze with fire

Emphasizes the intense burning and brightness of the fire.

overwhelmed by flames

Stresses the inability to withstand the force and extent of the fire.

incinerated by fire

Focuses on the destructive power of fire, resulting in complete burning.

devoured by fire

Uses a metaphor of consumption to depict the fire's destructive action.

taken by the flames

Suggests a more poetic and dramatic loss to the fire.

in the throes of fire

Presents a sense of struggle and intensity within the fire.

burned to the ground

Indicates complete destruction by fire, leaving nothing standing.

turned to ashes by fire

Emphasizes the final state of complete destruction and residue.

FAQs

How can I use "engulfed in fire" in a sentence?

You can use "engulfed in fire" to describe something being completely surrounded and consumed by flames, such as "The building was "engulfed in fire"".

What's a good alternative to "engulfed in fire"?

Alternatives include "consumed by flames", which highlights the act of destruction, or "surrounded by fire", emphasizing the encirclement.

Is it correct to say "engulfed by fire" instead of "engulfed in fire"?

While "engulfed by fire" is grammatically acceptable, "engulfed in fire" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What imagery does "engulfed in fire" evoke?

The phrase "engulfed in fire" evokes a powerful image of complete destruction, intensity, and a lack of control over the situation.